[raichoudhury]

Took a test drive of the Baleno Zeta DDiS variant immediately after the Figo. Seating position seems to be better in the Baleno. The gear-shift also felt better in the Baleno.

The showroom is "unofficially" accepting the bookings of the RS which is slated to be launched in March.

However there is no clarity as regards the price and specifications.

I wish somebody could guide me between the Figo TDCi Titanium(+) and the Baleno RS.

[swiftnfurious]

Originally Posted by raichoudhury

...I wish somebody could guide me between the Figo TDCi Titanium(+) and the Baleno RS.

Unless you drive the Baleno, a decision can't be arrived at. Baleno may hold an edge on many parameters other than engine, now that's the whole deal is about right. I am only worried about one thing - the lag - that could make or break the deal.

[Coplay]

I went to the NEXA showroom this weekend to collect my refund cheque for the Ignis which I had pre-booked. I still haven't been given a TD of the car and my new car is already in transit. Irrespective of how good the reviews are out there, I would always want to drive the car before I buy it. This is not a mobile phone which is being bought off a Flash sale. Ridiculous.

Anyway, the NEXA showroom manager told me that they are unofficially taking bookings for the RS which will launch in the first week of March.
He also lands the bomb by saying, "Sir, we have been informed that the OTR price in Bangalore will cross 11L" to which I say "If thats the price, I'm walking to the VW showroom right across the road to get the GT TSi"

[CarguyNish]

Originally Posted by Coplay

He also lands the bomb by saying, "Sir, we have been informed that the OTR price in Bangalore will cross 11L" to which I say "If thats the price, I'm walking to the VW showroom right across the road to get the GT TSi"

Don't believe his words. Because, no one knows how to price the car as well as Maruti. There is no denying this fact. I expect the Baleno RS to undercut the Polo GT TSI & even Ford Ecosport 1.0 EcoBoost.

I expect a max premium of 80-100k over current Alpha.

Here is the speculative price comparison (Ex-Showroom Bangalore)

Baleno 1.2 Alpha - 7.54 lakhs
Polo GT TSI - 9.20 lakhs
Baleno 1.0 RS - 8.40-8.60 lakhs

Anything above 8.6 lakhs is a disaster waiting to happen. Especially due to fact that, it will be offered only in Manual Guise.

[Coplay]

Originally Posted by CarguyNish

Don't believe his words. Because, no one knows how to price the car as well as Maruti. There is no denying this fact. I expect the Baleno RS to undercut the Polo GT TSI & even Ford Ecosport 1.0 EcoBoost.

I expect a max premium of 80-100k over current Alpha.

Here is the speculative price comparison (Ex-Showroom Bangalore)

Baleno 1.2 Alpha - 7.54 lakhs
Polo GT TSI - 9.20 lakhs
Baleno 1.0 RS - 8.40-8.60 lakhs

Anything above 8.6 lakhs is a disaster waiting to happen. Especially due to fact that, it will be offered only in Manual Guise.

Exactly my thoughts. If they want to sell, they need to undercut the GT Tsi by atleast 50-70k OTR. What you mentioned is the most realistic pricing we can expect.
But knowing NEXA, their arrogance and their assumption that they are a superbrand in India and also what they have been pulling off WRT pricing in the past, everything is a blur to me.
20 days more and we will have official pricing.
Fingers Crossed

[Abhi_Automobile]

Originally Posted by Coplay

Exactly my thoughts. If they want to sell, they need to undercut the GT Tsi by atleast 50-70k OTR. What you mentioned is the most realistic pricing we can expect.
But knowing NEXA, their arrogance and their assumption that they are a superbrand in India and also what they have been pulling off WRT pricing in the past, everything is a blur to me.
20 days more and we will have official pricing.
Fingers Crossed

To be honest, i think Maruti should undercut GT by more than 1 lakh. Typically, automatics are priced at a premium of more than/close to 1 lakhs over their manual variants. this is true even for CVTs; this a a DSG gearbox we are talking about (and an imported one at that).

[The AG 6167]

Originally Posted by CarguyNish

Anything above 8.6 lakhs is a disaster waiting to happen. Especially due to fact that, it will be offered only in Manual Guise.

Originally Posted by Coplay

Exactly my thoughts. If they want to sell, they need to undercut the GT Tsi by atleast 50-70k OTR.

Originally Posted by Abhi_Automobile

To be honest, i think Maruti should undercut GT by more than 1 lakh. Typically, automatics are priced at a premium of more than/close to 1 lakhs over their manual variants. this is true even for CVTs; this a a DSG gearbox we are talking about (and an imported one at that).

Completely agree with all of you, also not only is it a manual, Maruti has also detuned it from 111hp for the world to 102hp for India

Manufacturers still think we cant drive and fuel efficiency is the only thing that makes or breaks our buying decision.

I also feel they should launch it in two variants, an Alpha and a Delta. That way they could rack up more sales and we could get a great car for a 8 lakh rupee price tag, sorted situation for everyone, isn't it? Though I know this would never happen.

[Coplay]

Originally Posted by The AG 6167

I also feel they should launch it in two variants, an Alpha and a Delta. That way they could rack up more sales and we could get a great car for a 8 lakh rupee price tag, sorted situation for everyone, isn't it? Though I know this would never happen.

Like you said, this is never going to happen. They have clearly indicated only one variant, the Alpha.
Sometimes, they get things horribly wrong. for example, non-availability of an Alpha Ignis AMT. Such a let down.

[RavenAvi]

Motor Trend has posted exclusive spy shots of the Baleno RS and it's 1.0L Boosterjet heart.

As the image shows the Baleno RS will have some slight styling changes to differentiate it as the flagship of the Baleno range with different bumper, grille and alloys plus some trim changes inside.

The Baleno RS will only be available in top-spec Alpha trim and expect a price hike of Rs 1 lakh from the top-spec 1.2 petrol Alpha which means a price of Rs 8.4 lakh ex-showroom.

[jaaz]

Originally Posted by Coplay

He also lands the bomb by saying, "Sir, we have been informed that the OTR price in Bangalore will cross 11L" to which I say "If thats the price, I'm walking to the VW showroom right across the road to get the GT TSi"

Even I was informed with the same figure of upwards of 10 lakhs and maybe 11 lakhs. I thought the SE is trying to discourage me as he was trying to push S Cross, since I showed some interest in the product.

The current Bangalore OTR price of Baleno Alpha Petrol Model is Rs. 9,04,000/- including standard accessories of Rs. 9,600/-. If the price of 11 lakhs is true, then we've to evaluate what extras or equipments they're going to add. Just for the Engine it'll be foolish to pay 1.5 lakhs more on ex-showroom price.

[The AG 6167]

Originally Posted by jaaz

Even I was informed with the same figure of upwards of 10 lakhs and maybe 11 lakhs. I thought the SE is trying to discourage me as he was trying to push S Cross, since I showed some interest in the product.

The current Bangalore OTR price of Baleno Alpha Petrol Model is Rs. 9,04,000/- including standard accessories of Rs. 9,600/-. If the price of 11 lakhs is true, then we've to evaluate what extras or equipments they're going to add. Just for the Engine it'll be foolish to pay 1.5 lakhs more on ex-showroom price.

I am getting reminded of the S-Cross 1.6 here.

Maruti needs to either introduce lower variants or price it right, at Rs.11 lakhs for the boosterjet petrol, they will have overshot the excitement.

Also, on a car meant for driving pleasure, I feel its not features that's important but its getting the right tune that matters & maruti should do that. Even if they offer equipment levels of the Alpha, its good enough.

[romeomidhun]

Source: https://gaadiwaadi.com/maruti-suzuki...review-091912/

Gaadiwaadi says Baleno RS will come in zeta and alpha variants!

But their picture seems like an aftermarket modification. Can'r believe maruti will do this paint job to baleno.

[ashwin489]

I wish maruti comes up with this paint job, just so that the RTO guys go nuts arguing if they should label the car Red or White in the RC book.

Originally Posted by romeomidhun

Can'r believe maruti will do this paint job to baleno.

[swiftnfurious]

Originally Posted by ashwin489

I wish maruti comes up with this paint job, just so that the RTO guys go nuts arguing if they should label the car Red or White in the RC book.

We need to be careful with our wishes. The RTO wouldn't bother wasting time, they simply will "ban" the product! Enthusiasts will only be the losers.

[Carma2017]

The 2 colour car is simply a car for colour presentation by their Styling team where new colours are presented. Rest assured they would not be demented enough to launch such an abomination.